Self-control is associated with health-relevant disparities in buccal DNA-methylation measures of biological aging in older adults.

Self-control is a personality dimension that is associated with better physical health and a longer lifespan. Here, we examined (1) whether self-control is associated with buccal and saliva DNA-methylation (DNAm) measures of biological aging quantified in children, adolescents, and adults, and (2) whether biological aging measured in buccal DNAm is associated with self-reported health. Following preregistered analyses, we computed two DNAm measures of advanced biological age (principal-component PhenoAge and GrimAge Acceleration) and a DNAm measure of pace of aging (DunedinPACE) in buccal samples from the German Socioeconomic Panel Study (SOEP-G[ene], n = 1058, age range 0-72, Mage = 42.65) and saliva samples from the Texas Twin Project (TTP, n = 1327, age range 8-20, Mage = 13.50). We found that lower self-control was associated with advanced biological age in older adults (PhenoAge Acceleration ß = - .34, [- .51, - .17], p < .001; GrimAge Acceleration ß = - .34, [- .49, - .19], p < .001), but not young adults, adolescents or children. These associations remained statistically robust even after correcting for possible confounders such as socioeconomic contexts, BMI, or genetic correlates of low self-control. Moreover, a faster pace of aging and advanced biological age measured in buccal DNAm were associated with self-reported disease (PhenoAge Acceleration: ß = .13 [.06, .19], p < .001; GrimAge Acceleration: ß = .19 [.12, .26], p < .001; DunedinPACE: ß = .09 [.02, .17], p = .01). However, effect sizes were weaker than observations in blood, suggesting that customization of DNAm aging measures to buccal and saliva tissues may be necessary. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that self-control is associated with health via pathways that accelerate biological aging in older adults.

Associations of socioeconomic disparities with buccal DNA-methylation measures of biological aging.

BACKGROUND: Individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged are at increased risk for aging-related diseases and perform less well on tests of cognitive function. The weathering hypothesis proposes that these disparities in physical and cognitive health arise from an acceleration of biological processes of aging. Theories of how life adversity is biologically embedded identify epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation (DNAm), as a mechanistic interface between the environment and health. Consistent with the weathering hypothesis and theories of biological embedding, recently developed DNAm algorithms have revealed profiles reflective of more advanced aging and lower cognitive function among socioeconomically-at-risk groups. These DNAm algorithms were developed using blood-DNA, but social and behavioral science research commonly collect saliva or cheek-swab DNA. This discrepancy is a potential barrier to research to elucidate mechanisms through which socioeconomic disadvantage affects aging and cognition. We therefore tested if social gradients observed in blood DNAm measures could be reproduced using buccal-cell DNA obtained from cheek swabs. RESULTS: We analyzed three DNAm measures of biological aging and one DNAm measure of cognitive performance, all of which showed socioeconomic gradients in previous studies: the PhenoAge and GrimAge DNAm clocks, DunedinPACE, and Epigenetic-g. We first computed blood-buccal cross-tissue correlations in n = 21 adults (GEO111165). Cross-tissue correlations were low-to-moderate (r = .25 to r = .48). We next conducted analyses of socioeconomic gradients using buccal DNAm data from SOEP-G (n = 1128, 57% female; age mean = 42 yrs, SD = 21.56, range 0-72). Associations of socioeconomic status with DNAm measures of aging were in the expected direction, but were smaller as compared to reports from blood DNAm datasets (r = - .08 to r = - .13). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with DNAm indicators of worse physical health. However, relatively low cross-tissue correlations and attenuated effect sizes for socioeconomic gradients in buccal DNAm compared with reports from analysis of blood DNAm suggest that in order to take full advantage of buccal DNA samples, DNAm algorithms customized to buccal DNAm are needed.

Self-control is associated with health-relevant disparities in buccal DNA-methylation measures of biological aging in older adults.

Self-control is a personality dimension that is associated with better physical health and a longer lifespan. Here we examined (1) whether self-control is associated with buccal and saliva DNA-methylation (DNAm) measures of biological aging quantified in children, adolescents, and adults, and (2) whether biological aging measured in buccal DNAm is associated with self-reported health. Following preregistered analyses, we computed two DNAm measures of advanced biological age (PhenoAge and GrimAge Acceleration) and a DNAm measure of pace of aging (DunedinPACE) in buccal samples from the German Socioeconomic Panel Study (SOEP-G[ene], n = 1058, age range 0-72, Mage = 42.65) and saliva samples from the Texas Twin Project (TTP, n = 1327, age range 8-20, Mage = 13.50). We found that lower self-control was associated with advanced biological age in older adults (ß =-.34), but not young adults, adolescents or children. This association was not accounted for by statistical correction for socioeconomic contexts, BMI, or genetic correlates of low self-control. Moreover, a faster pace of aging and advanced biological age measured in buccal DNAm were associated with worse self-reported health (ß =.13 to ß = .19). But, effect sizes were weaker than observations in blood, thus customization of DNAm aging measures to buccal and saliva tissues may be necessary. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that self-control is associated with health via pathways that accelerate biological aging in older adults.

Dietary Tyrosine Intake (FFQ) Is Associated with Locus Coeruleus, Attention and Grey Matter Maintenance: An MRI Structural Study on 398 Healthy Individuals of the Berlin Aging Study-II.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is documented that low protein and amino-acid dietary intake is related to poorer cognitive health and increased risk of dementia. Degradation of the neuromodulatory pathways, (comprising the cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems) is observed in neurodegenerative diseases and impairs the proper biosynthesis of key neuromodulators from micro-nutrients and amino acids. How these micro-nutrients are linked to neuromodulatory pathways in healthy adults is less studied. The Locus Coeruleus-Noradrenergic System (LC-NA) is the earliest subcortical structure affected in Alzheimer's disease, showing marked neurodegeneration, but is also sensitive for age-related changes. The LC-NA system is critical for supporting attention and cognitive control, functions that are enhanced both by tyrosine administration and chronic tyrosine intake. The purpose of this study was to 1) investigate whether the dietary intake of tyrosine, the key precursor for noradrenaline (NA), is related to LC signal intensity 2) whether LC mediates the reported association between tyrosine intake and higher cognitive performance (measured with Trail Making Test - TMT), and 3) whether LC signal intensity relates to an objective measure of brain maintenance (BrainPAD). METHODS: The analyses included 398 3T MRIs of healthy participants from the Berlin Aging Study II to investigate the relationship between LC signal intensity and habitual dietary tyrosine intake-daily average (HD-Tyr-IDA - measured with Food Frequency Questionnaire - FFQ). As a control procedure, the same analyses were repeated on other main seeds of the neuromodulators' subcortical system (Dorsal and Medial Raphe, Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Basalis of Meynert). In the same way, the relationships between the five nuclei and BrainPAD were tested. RESULTS: Results show that HD-Tyr-IDA is positively associated with LC signal intensity. Similarly, LC disproportionally relates to better brain maintenance (BrainPAD). Mediation analyses reveal that only LC, relative to the other nuclei tested, mediates the relationship between HD-Tyr-IDA I and performance in the TMT and between HD-Tyr-IDA and BrainPAD. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide the first evidence linking tyrosine intake with LC-NA system signal intensity and its correlation with neuropsychological performance. This study strengthens the role of diet for maintaining brain and cognitive health and supports the noradrenergic theory of cognitive reserve. Within this framework, adequate tyrosine intake might increase the resilience of LC-NA system functioning, by preventing degeneration and supporting noradrenergic metabolism required for LC function and neuropsychological performance.

[Saving motives in young, middle-aged, and older adults. Preliminary results of a new inventory for exploring lifespan saving motives]. / Sparmotive von jungen, mittelalten und älteren Erwachsenen. Erste Ergebnisse eines neuen Inventars zur Erfassung lebenslaufbezogener Sparmotive.

There is some research on personal reasons for saving money in the economic sciences. However, not much is known about the age differences of saving motives. In this vein, the future time perspective (FTP) is known to play a critical role for motivation across the life span. In this study, we introduce a new Saving Motive Inventory (SMI), which also covers saving goals after retirement. Furthermore, it is argued that additional saving motives that are not based on economic models of life-cycle saving also exist. In accordance with the socio-emotional selectivity theory, we explored age differences in an online survey with 496 participants from young (19-44 years), middle-aged (45-64 years), and older (65-86 years) adulthood, who completed a questionnaire on saving motives, personality, and future-related thinking (e.g., Future Time Perspective Scale, Life Orientation Test). Results of the explorative Factor Analysis (EFA) are consistent with the theoretical expectations. The factors are generativity, educational investment, consumption, indifference, and provision for death and dying. Together these five factors account for 67% of the variance. In general, the inventory is reliable and valid with respect to the expected internal and external criteria. It contributes to better understanding of saving motives over the lifespan, especially with respect to effects of the future time perspective.

Critical parameters for modelling the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in wildlife.

A series of simulation experiments was conducted to determine how estimates of the latent and infectious periods, number of neighbours (contacts) and population size impact on the predicted magnitude and distribution of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in white-tailed deer in southern Texas. Outbreaks were simulated using a previously developed and applied susceptible-latent-infected-recovered geographic automata model. There were substantial differences in the estimated predicted number of deer and locations infected, based on the model parameters used (3779-119 879 deer infected and 227-6526 locations affected). There were also substantial differences in the spatial risk of infection based on the model parameters used. The predicted spread of FMD was found to be most sensitive to the assumed latent period and the assumed number of contacts. How these parameters are estimated is likely to be critical in studies on the impact of FMD spread in situations in which wildlife reservoirs might potentially exist.

[Isometric grip strength and social gerontological research: results and analytic potentials of SHARE and SOEP]. / Isometrische Greifkraft und sozialgerontologische Forschung: Ergebnisse und Analysepotentiale des SHARE und SOEP.

This paper shows that the measurement of hand grip strength provides a non-invasive and reliable objective health indicator for social science research and is easy to collect in general population surveys. Grip strength is not only a useful complement of self-reported indicators of health, but it also exhibits a considerable predictive power with regard to a number of further relevant variables for social gerontological research, such as mortality risks. New data from the 2004 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and the 2006 wave of the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) allow insightful methodological and very first substantive cross-sectional analyses of grip strength in Germany. The focus of the present study is on the analysis of individuals aged 50 or older. The experience of both surveys when measuring grip strength is consistently positive, particularly with regard to the respondents' feedback. Major determinants of isometric grip strength are - beyond the individual's gender - age, body size and weight. A multivariate analysis also provides evidence for a clear positive association between various health indicators and grip strength.

A single-chain fragment variable recombinant antibody against F5 fimbria of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli inhibits agglutination of horse red blood cells induced by F5 protein.

Bovine colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a worldwide problem. Adhesion of ETEC to intestinal cell receptors mediated by the surface protein F5 fimbriae is the initial step in the establishment of colibacillosis. Prevention of ETEC F5(+) adhesion to enterocytes protects newborn calves against collibacillosis. On the enterocytes, the F5 fimbriae bind to a ganglioside that is also found on horse red blood cells. Thus, the presence of F5 fimbriae induces haemagglutination, which is useful as an indicator in a functional assay system. In this study, recombinant anti-F5 scFv antibody fragment produced in E. coli HB2151 reacted with F5 fimbriae in ELISA and Western immunoblot, and prevented haemagglutination induced by the binding of the F5 fimbriae to its natural host receptors on horse red blood cells. Given the ease with which recombinant antibodies can be mass-produced, the presently described scFv may hold promise as a prophylactic agent for colibacillosis.

Sex differences in corticosteroids in man.

The serum concentrations of progesterone (P), 17-OH-progesterone (17-OHP), 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), corticosterone (B), 11-deoxycortisol (S), 18-OH-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC), aldosterone (Aldo) and cortisol (F) were measured in 18 normal men (M), 14 normal women in the folicular phase (FF) and 14 normal women in the luteal phase (FL) of menstrual cycle from blood samples obtained between 0800 and 0900 h. Steroids were estimated by a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay allowing the simultaneous determination of all steroids studied from one 3 ml serum sample. The mean steroid concentrations (ng/1dl) in FF were found to be as follows: P, 20.3; 17-OHP, 58; DOC, 3.8; B, 241; S, 20.7; 18-OH-DOC, 12.3; Aldo, 8.8; F, 9860. Apart from P, steroid concentrations in FF were significantly lower than in M. Serum 17-OHP, DOC, B and Aldo in FF were significantly lower than in FL. With the exception of P, there were no significant differences of mean steroid concentrations between M and FL.

13C NMR studies of glycolysis in intra- and extra-erythrocytic Babesia microti.

Metabolism in the erythrocytes of normal mice and mice infected with Babesia microti has been monitored non-invasively by high resolution 13C NMR spectroscopy. The conversion of [U-13C]glucose to lactate in both normal and infected cells together with the effect of the trypanocidal drug, 4,4'-diamidinodiazoaminobenzene diaceturate, on glycolytic rates were monitored. These studies show that erythrocytes utilize [U-13C]glucose at a rate of 3 X 10(-12) mumol cell-1 min-1 at 35 degrees C while parasitized cells consume 2.9 X 10(-11) mumol cell-1 min-1 and produce lactate as the sole end-product. This rate decreases to 9 X 10(-12) mumol cell-1 min-1 on the addition of 0.75 mM drug.

A common high molecular weight antigen of Babesia bovis isolates from Mexico.

Cattle from an area of Mexico endemic with Babesia bovis infections have a dominant antibody response to a 152kDa antigen of the Tamaulipas strain of B. bovis. A mAb termed PB/5, showing a specific reactivity to this 152kDa antigen in Western blots, was identified. The mAb which reacted with the blunt end of B. bovis in an indirect fluorescent antibody test also reacted to a 152kDa antigen in two other isolates (Nuevo Leon and Yucatan), and a 175kDa antigen in the Huasteca B. bovis isolate from Mexico. Polyclonal monospecific sera from a calf inoculated with mAb-affinity purified 152kDa antigen (Tamaulipas strain) identified B. bovis by the indirect fluorescent antibody test and two antigens of B. bovis (65kDa and 152kDa) in Western blot. Since the epitope reacting to the mAb PB/5 is conserved, this antigen provides a basis for developing a diagnostic test or an immunogen.

Allele frequency and gene expression of a putative carboxylesterase-encoding gene in a pyrethroid resistant strain of the tick Boophilus microplus.

We utilized RNA Northern blot analysis and ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) to study the mRNA expression level of a putative carboxylesterase-encoding gene from several strains of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). Both the Northern analysis and RPAs indicated that an esterase transcript was more abundant in the pyrethroid resistant strain, Coatzacoalcos (Cz), compared to a susceptible control strain and a resistant strain whose pyrethroid resistance is mediated through a target site insensitivity mechanism. A PCR-based assay was designed to identify the presence of a previously reported point mutation in this B. microplus esterase gene. The reported G-->A substitution at nucleotide 1120 creates an EcoR I site in the mutant allele which can be detected by EcoR I digestion of the amplification products. The PCR assays showed that the frequency of the mutant allele was highest in the Cz-resistant strain, which has been shown to have an esterase-mediated resistance mechanism. The PCR assay can be performed either on individual tick larvae or hemolymph from adults.

Microwave fixation: in situ tick (Acari: Ixodidae) histoanatomy, thin sectioning of tick tissues, and antigen preservation in mouse spleen.

Microwave irradiation was used for the fixation of eggs, nymphs, and adult Boophilus spp. ticks. Although optimal temperatures for fixation of the different tick stages varied, heating to 58 degrees C of adult ticks submerged in either PBS or fixative was found to be sufficient. After microwave fixation, whole adult ticks, hand held, were sectioned with a sharp razor blade. The resulting sections revealed the in situ histoanatomy of the tick. Thin sections of ticks were obtained after either paraffin or polyester wax embedding. Microwave fixation combined with polyester wax embedding made serial thin sections of the different stages of Boophilus ticks possible. The technique preserved antigens as demonstrated by the immunostaining of lymphocytes and erythrocytes infected with Babesia microti in mouse tissues subjected to the same treatment as the ticks. With the microwave fixation-polyester wax technique, the specimen preparation time from fixation to the section on the glass slide was reduced to less than 8 h.

Histochemical localization of esterases in the integument of the female Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) tick.

The cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) is one of the most important ectoparasites affecting tropical cattle with worldwide distribution. Application of organophosphate compounds (OP) is extensively used as a tick control method. However, the appearance of ticks resistant to the OP decreases the therapeutic efficacy of such compounds. Esterases have been implicated as potential biochemical mechanisms for detoxification in B. microplus larvae. We found increased esterase activity in the inner layers of the integument of OP resistant adult female B. microplus ticks as compared with the OP susceptible ticks. We discuss the potential role of these enzymes during acaricide metabolism and propose future research.

Cloning and sequencing of a putative acetylcholinesterase cDNA from Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Using a strategy based on degenerate primers derived from acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from other species, we cloned and sequenced a putative AChE cDNA from the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). The sequence has a high degree of homology to sequences of AChE from other species reported in the GenBank. The open reading frame of 1,689 bp, corresponding to a deduced sequence of 563 amino acids, has conserved regions and features shared by the AChE family, necessary for its catalytic activity. No differences were found in the putative cDNA sequences from organophosphorus acaricide (OP) resistant and susceptible strains. The results suggest that this putative AChE gene is not involved in resistance to OP compounds as a mutated gene in the resistant strain studied. However, differences were detected, with a probe derived from this cDNA, in DNA fragments after digestion of genomic DNA from different strains with restriction nucleases. This indicates polymorphism in this gene in B. microplus.

Comparison of genomic DNA in various strains of Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

The conventional method of identifying acaricide resistance in a suspect tick population by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization packet assay is a laborious and time-consuming process. DNA probes have been demonstrated as rapid and accurate tools for detecting pesticide resistance in insect species. Random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) has been used by other groups to differentiate species of mosquitoes and populations within a mosquito species. By using different arbitrary oligonucleotides as primers with RAPD, we have demonstrated that various strains of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) show different patterns of DNA fragments on agarose gel electrophoresis. The unique DNA fragments may be useful for developing probes that can detect acaricide resistance in field pest populations.

Sequence analysis of the knockdown resistance-homologous region of the para-type sodium channel gene from pyrethroid-resistant Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and degenerate oligonucleotide primers, a partial para-homologous sodium channel cDNA was obtained from the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). The cDNA sequence encoded the region in which knockdown resistance (kdr)-type mutations have been identified in numerous insect species. Comparison of deduced amino acids from the cDNA sequence showed high similarity with sodium channels from other species, particularly in highly conserved repeat domains of the sodium channel. Analysis of the kdr-homologous region of the genomic DNA sequences from several susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant tick strains did not detect mutations. The result suggests novel mutations in the sodium channel gene or metabolic detoxification may be involved in the resistance to pyrethroids in this tick.

Derivation of monoclonal antibodies against Brucella abortus antigens.

In vivo immunization, fusion, antibody detection, and cryopreservation procedures for monoclonal antibody production against antigens of Brucella abortus are described. Splenocytes from BALB/c mice immunized with irradiated B. abortus S2308 were fused with Sp2/O-Ag14 myeloma cells and 61 hybridomas secreting anti-Brucella antibodies were cloned. Hybridoma antibody synthesis was detected effectively and most efficiently by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Antibodies from clones of hybridoma A23 reacted with S19 and S2308 whole bacterial cells, while hybridoma B49 reacted primarily with alkali--treated lipopolysaccharides of S19, S1119.3 and S2308. Cryopreservation of clones had no major effect on antibody synthesis. The application of monoclonal anti-Brucella antibodies in the differential diagnosis of bovine brucellosis is discussed.

The protective effect of pretreatment with killed Corynebacterium parvum against acute babesiosis in calves.

Yearling calves were pre-treated intravenously (IV) with a 0.20 mg kg-1 dose of Corynebacterium parvum and challenged after 30 days by IV inoculation of 3 X 10(9) Babesia bigemina. The relatively low 0.20 mg kg-1 dose of C. parvum enhanced resistance as indicated by lower mean Babesia parasitemias and less severe decreases in packed-cell volumes than in non-treated calves, but failed to stimulate a significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) level of protection against B. bigemina challenge.